Ohio University names assistant vice president/director to oversee nursing programs on all campuses

ATHENS, Ohio (June 1, 2004) -- The leadership of Ohio University's nursing programs will be consolidated under the guidance of one director with the appointment of Dr. Esperanza V. Joyce as assistant vice president for nursing education and director, School of Nursing. Although the associate's degree program offered on regional campuses at Zanesville, Chillicothe and Southern, has coordinated closely with the bachelor's degree program on the Athens campus, leadership for the two programs has been divided into separate positions in the past. With Joyce's appointment, effective July 1, the programs will become more closely connected through shared oversight.

"We are pleased and fortunate to have Esperanza taking on the leadership of Ohio University's nursing programs," said Gary Neiman, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, which offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in nursing. "She is a dynamic and high-energy leader with proven success in administration, teaching and scholarship. Her abilities are especially valued in leading the launch of a new master's degree in nursing program this fall."

Joyce, a clinical nurse specialist in maternal-child health, joins Ohio University from Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she currently serves as dean and professor of the nursing school. She was previously with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

"Consolidating the leadership of all of Ohio University's nursing programs will help us to offer a more transparent and streamlined transition as students advance their nursing education," said Charles Bird, vice president for higher education. "Our region is not unlike the rest of the country; there is a driving need for well-prepared nursing professionals at all levels. For many years, Ohio University has been providing education to meet that need and with Esperanza Joyce's leadership, we plan to do so with even greater success."

Joyce earned her doctorate in higher education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, her master's in nursing from the University of Texas in San Antonio and her bachelor's in nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. In addition to her academic career, Joyce has experience in clinical practice in the areas of pediatric, school health, home health, psychiatric and geriatric nursing. She recently published the 3rd edition of "Say it in Spanish: A Guide for Health Professionals."